The Planning Services division develops long-range and special area plans to ensure that Salisbury’s citizens have more access to the things they value and administers a number of important local, state, and federal programs for homes, the environment, infrastructure, and the local economy. We strive to strengthen Salisbury’s quality of life and to ensure that our community’s current and future needs can be supported.
Our team works every day to accomplish these goals by closely tracking and responding to local and regional economic/demographic trends, by staying up-to-date on best practices in urban design and city planning, and by listening to the everyday concerns of citizens and business owners who wish to make Salisbury stronger.
COMMUNITY PLANNING DIRECTOR
Hannah Berg Jacobson
(704) 638-5230 | Hannah.Jacobson@salisburync.gov
As Director, Hannah oversees the work of the Community Planning, Development Services and Code Enforcement Divisions. In addition to her supervisory roles, she also manages several economic development incentive projects including the Salisbury Paul Bruhn Grants, the Downtown Revitalization Incentives and the Kesler Mill Brownfield Cleanup.
Currently, Hannah is leading the City’s Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The project is collaborating with the community to design a framework for land use, growth and improvements over the next 20 years.
She has been with the City since April, 2019. She worked with the Durham City-County Planning Department for 10 years before coming to Salisbury.
URBAN DESIGN PLANNER
Alyssa Nelson
(704) 638-5235 | anels@salisburync.gov
In her efforts to improve the quality of life and vibrancy of Salisbury, Alyssa manages a variety of community design projects, which include the annual BlockWork program and Salisbury Sculpture Show, downtown revitalization incentive grants, as well as various placemaking projects. She is the staff liaison to the Community Appearance Commission, the Public Arts Commission and the Dixonville-Lincoln Memorial Task Force.
Alyssa received a Master’s degree in Architecture and a Master’s in Urban Design from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Fine Art and Art Education from Franklin Pierce University. Alyssa received her AICP Certification in 2023 and has been with the City of Salisbury since 2016. In 2021, she was chosen to participate in Next City’s Vanguard Conference in Greensboro, NC, where leaders from different disciplines gathered to find innovative ways to improve cities.
PLANNER
Emily Vanek
(704) 638-5311
Emily.Vanek@salisburync.gov
Emily works on a variety of the City’s long-range planning projects, including the Forward 2040 Comprehensive Plan, small area plans, grant administration, and other special projects. She is the staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, and manages the City’s local preservation projects.
Emily received her Bachelor’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University in 2020. Prior to coming to Salisbury, she interned at the Iowa Department of Transportation and the City of Traverse City, MI. In 2022, Emily became an AICP candidate.
PLANNER
Malikia Cherubala
(704) 638-5324 | Malikia.Cherubala@salisburync.gov
Malikia’s (Muh-lee-kya) planning duties encompass housing efforts and community development. She facilitates the City’s partnerships with local public service agencies within the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and assists with programs such as the Downtown Revitalization Incentives on the Kesler Mill, and housing strategy efforts. She is the staff liaison to Salisbury’s Housing Advocacy Commission, and Healthy Rowan’s Healthy Lifestyle Collaborative.
Malikia received her Bachelors of Science in Community and Regional Planning from Appalachian State University in May 2023. Prior to coming to the City in June 2023, she interned at the Institution for Transportation Research and Education at North Carolina State University (2022-2023) and in the Transportation Department at Prince George’s County, MD (2022). Malikia is passionate about equitable delivery of essential services to all and the individual betterment of experiences for Salisbury’s residents.
SR. ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST
Jennifer Pfaff
(704) 638-5240
Jennifer.Pfaff@salisburync.gov
Jenni provides administrative assistance, customer service and project coordination for Planning and Neighborhoods, as well as support for Code Services. She serves as Secretary to the Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advocacy Commission, Community Appearance Commission and Public Arts Commission.
A native North Carolinian, Jenni has been with the City since July 2021. Her journey to the City has included being a stay-at-home mom, owning a yarn store, and most recently, working for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. She has a Bachelor’s in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
In her spare time, Jenni is an avid reader, accomplished knitter and amateur beekeeper.